SADD's Mission

The original mission of the SADD chapter was to help young people say “NO” to drinking and driving. Today, the mission has expanded. Students have said that positive peer pressure, role modeling and environmental strategies can prevent other destructive decisions and set a healthier, safer course for their lives. And that is why SADD has become a peer-to-peer education, prevention and activism organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, teen violence and teen suicide.

SADD does not support or condone the use of alcohol by underage young people. The purchase and public possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21 is illegal in all 50 states. SADD believes that young people can have fun, enjoy life and nurture positive personal relationships without the distraction and distortion of alcohol. SADD seeks to demonstrate positive and attractive alternatives to alcohol and other drug-infused activities for teenagers.

Being an Advisor

A SADD advisor does not need to have a degree in adolescent psychology or be a certified prevention specialist. The only real requirements are that the advisor cares about and is committed to the SADD philosophy and can empower students to communicate the SADD message in the school and community.

The advisors role is to facilitate the activity and dynamics of the SADD chapter. The advisor acts as a liaison between the students and the school administration and promotes a SADD chapter culture that is inclusive and collaborative. The advisor also ensures that the chapter activities are aligned with the SADD mission and adhere to SADD and school policies.

SADD advisors should have a strong ability to listen to what students have to say and treat their contributions with respectful consideration. To be empowered, SADD students must feel that their ideas and input are important and valuable. The advisor has the responsibility of encouraging and reinforcing individual student efforts by facilitating each student’s sense of inclusion and connectedness, power to influence and openness to others.

SADD Advisory Board

Each year, a regional SADD Advisory board is selected from SADD Chapters in eastern South Dakota. We are looking for leaders who have GREAT ideas and want to help make the SADD conference held in the spring to be the best that it can be. If you would like more information on becoming an advisory board member, please send an email to neprc@humanserviceagency.org.

SADD Fall Training

Each year, the NEPRC hosts a FALL SADD training in Aberdeen & Watertown. Contact neprc@humanserviceagency.org for more information.

SADD State Conference

Each year, the Prevention Resource Centers host two State SADD Conferences on both ends of the state in late March. Contact neprc@humanserviceagency.org for more information.